The upcoming movie is a love letter to sisterhood — and we’re already obsessed!
Let me let you in on a little secret: some of the most soul-stirring, life-affirming love stories aren’t romantic. They’re found in the soulful friendships between women — messy, layered, healing and hilarious. And in the upcoming “Red Circle“, that’s exactly what you will get with Fikayo and Venita, the characters played by Folu Storms and Omowunmi Dada.
Beyond the compelling friendship between Fikayo and Venita, the highly anticipated movie promises audiences an exhilarating journey through the vibrant and complex world of Lagos nightlife. Set to premiere on 6 June 2025, the crime thriller follows investigative journalist Fikayo Holloway (Folu Storms) as she uncovers a web of secrets tied to a powerful crime syndicate in Lagos. As Fikayo delves deeper, the stakes escalate, putting her life and the lives of those she loves in grave danger.
Directed by Akay Mason and produced by Nora Awolowo and Abdul Tijani-Ahmed under Rixel Studios, “Red Circle” boasts a stellar ensemble cast. Alongside Folu and Omowunmi, the cast includes Bukky Wright, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Lateef Adedimeji, and Femi Branch.
Ahead of the release, I chatted with Folu and Omowunmi, who are as radiant off-screen as they are on it. I expected a vibe. What I got was sisterhood. Sass. Support. And a couple of banana bread metaphors.
From industry acquaintances to onscreen soul sisters
You know that awkward “hi-hi” phase of seeing someone at events but never really knowing them? That was Folu and Omowunmi pre-“Red Circle“.
When I asked about their first impressions before acting together for the first time, Omowunnmi admitted with a laugh, “Folu always seemed a little strict, no-nonsense—you know, very don’t-enter-my-space energy.”
But on set? Sparks. “We just clicked. She’s calm, and her energy is very bubbly,” she added.
Folu shared a similar sentiment: “I always thought she was cool, but this was the first time we really spent proper time together, and I discovered she’s such a warm, friendly human. With characters this connected, you need to build rapport. With Omowunmi, it was effortless. She’s easygoing, super focused, and brought big energy to the set. She was always recording, even making me want to up my content game. It was just really fun working with her.”
The heart of “Red Circle”
So, what anchors Fikayo and Venita’s bond in the film? One word: love.
“Love and total acceptance,” emphasised Omowunmi, who plays Venita, a struggling singer trying to make ends meet for her family. “There’s no judgment in their friendship. Fikayo can call her out, but she’s also there asking, ‘How do we fix this?’ It’s that ride-or-die, show-up-at-your-door, hold-your-hand-through-it kind of love.”
Folu nodded in agreement, describing Fikayo—a journalist trying to build a career and a name for herself away from the shadow of her prominent family. “Venita becomes her chosen family. It’s a friendship that surprises both of them, one that’s built on mutual understanding and care.”
When I asked about standout scenes, they both lit up, with Omowunmi opening up about one where the two characters are just dancing in Venita’s apartment, laughing, being silly—pure, unfiltered joy. And a gut-wrenching one, where everything breaks open. “I didn’t know she loved Venita that much,” she said softly. “It broke me.”
Folu likened the friendship between the characters to “double chocolate banana bread—sweet, filling, familiar.” (Yes, I demanded the plug.) “And as Fikayo,” she added, “I’d say Venita is family. No, not like-sisters. Actual chosen family.”
Omowunmi’s one-word description? “Rock. Solid.” Because sometimes your best friend becomes your shelter.
Celebrating female friendships on and off-screen
What makes this friendship hit even harder is how grounded it is in their real lives. Both women spoke passionately about the power of female friendships—how they’ve leaned on their own besties through every stage of life.
Challenging the tired trope that women don’t get along, Folu stated that real sisterhood cuts deeper than we give it credit. “When female friendships fall apart, it can be even more devastating than a romantic breakup,” she said. “Women share so much with each other—our vulnerability, our dreams—so when that bond breaks, it really hurts. But I also know there are so many solid friendships that survive the fire. I hope “Red Circle” reminds women of the friendships they do have and encourages them to nurture those bonds. We need more stories that celebrate that.”
Omowunmi echoed her, adding, “We need to stop pushing this lie that women don’t support women. My biggest supporters have been women—women who saw me before I could even see myself.”
A love letter to sisterhood
By the end of our conversation, it became evident that “Red Circle” is more than just a film. It’s a love letter to the women who hold us up, the ones who send random “I love you” texts, fight our battles when we’re too tired to fight for ourselves, and remind us that we’re that girl, even when we forget. It’s a reminder that female friendship is sacred, powerful, and worth fighting for.
So, when you watch Fikayo and Venita on-screen in theatres on June 6th—dancing, crying, fighting for each other—know that it’s not just fiction. It’s a mirror. And maybe, just maybe, a little nudge to call your bestie and say, “Hey, I love you. Thank you.”
